Staff Member Profiles
Brenton Lewis
Chief Executive
MAICD- Member Australian Institute of Company Directors
SABAN- Business Ambassador of South Australia 2007 (appointed 2007)
Brenton was appointed the Chief Executive of the new amalgamated entity of Regional Development Australia Murraylands & Riverland Inc. in January 2010. Brenton spent many years in private enterprise at the senior management level, particularly in Agribusiness and within his own private businesses. Brenton has contributed to many civic duties including the Soil Board, Murraylands Regional Development Board, Murray Bridge Racing Club, Homes for the Aged and the Rotary Club of Murray Bridge. Within the role of Chief Executive, Brenton chairs several forums, participates on several boards, various committees and working parties. His passion and personal drive for the growth & sustainability of the region is tremendous. Through his role as CE, he strives to capitalise investment attraction, thereby maximising economic development and community capacity in the expanded region.
Nicolle Jachmann
Economic Development Manager (Riverland)
B Acc
CPA
Nicolle was appointed to the Role of Economic Development Manager in December 2011. Nicolle is a Certified Practising Accountant with over 20 years’ experience in Finance and Management, including engagement in the Banking Industry.
Nicolle was raised on a fruit property in the Riverland and has a rich background in community involvement. Through her role as a director of their own family cereal cropping and prime lamb production enterprises and having worked closely with business and industry in the region from Banking, Accounting and Business Advisory perspectives, Nicolle has a good understanding of both the challenges and opportunities that face our region.
Nicolle’s role is to provide vision and leadership to the Riverland office, while creating and managing economic growth within our region through the implementation of the RDA Murraylands and Riverland Roadmap, Riverland Regional Prospectus and facilitation of the Riverland Futures Fund.
Nicolle is passionate about the region and embraces the opportunity to work with the Board, CEO, Staff and stakeholders in economically and sustainably growing our region.
Tamara Rohrlach
Corporate Services Manager
Tamara commenced in her current role in January 2012. Tamara has previously worked within the wine industry in the Barossa Valley gaining qualifications in Viticulture before moving into a Project Management role with the Department of Primary Industries. Her role as a Farming Systems Consultant brought her to Murray Bridge and saw her work closely with agricultural businesses across the South Australian Mallee, looking at ways to both increase production and overcome quarantine challenges.
Tamara’s role within RDA is to ensure the smooth operation of the organisation and to have a leadership role overseeing the successful implementation of the RDA Murraylands and Riverland Regional Roadmap.
Tamara is excited about being part of the greater SA Mallee community and looks forward to playing her part in increasing the success and sustainability of the region.
email: trohrlach(at)rdamurraylands.org.au
Beryl Liebich
Indigenous Economic Development Manager (Murraylands)
Beryl commenced with RDA in July, her role is to work with Indigenous organisations and individuals, State and Federal government agencies, employment and training provider stakeholders and private sector businesses to identify and then stimulate a range of employment opportunities and Indigenous commercial ventures in the Murraylands of South Australia.
Beryl gained extensive experience over the last 17 years in Networking, relationship building, identifying gaps, business opportunities, re-skilling, training and mentoring staff in her previous role as the Regional Operations Manager SA – BankSA Financial Planning.
Raised on a dairy farm at Narrung, and now lives in Murray Bridge, Beryl is keen to work within the community in which she grew up.
Julie Robertson
Indigenous Economic Development Manager (Riverland)
Julie was born in Broken Hill, with a career spanning 20 years in various leadership and training positions. Julie is a former board member for RDA and has worked in many SA country locations including Eyre Peninsula, Mid/Far Northern Regions and Riverland area. She is a successful business operator and consultant in roles requiring people development, marketing initiatives, and quality control.
We welcome Julie, as she is our most recent addtion to the team, by starting work on August 22nd 2011.
email: jrobertson(at)rdariverland.org.au
Annie Payne
Employment & Training Project Manager (Riverland)
Annie Payne joined RDA Riverland in early April 2012 and has a long history working in the learning and employment industry having worked at Coober Pedy, Kadina and most recently Mawson Lakes.
Annie was raised on a fruit block in Kingston-on-Murray and still has strong connections and understanding of the Riverland environment with her parents and sister still living in the area. Annie has been a keen go-kart racer (and Champion!) in her younger years and is still a passionate petrol-head who can be seen enjoying the thrills and spills at Speedway City.
During her time with the Salisbury Council she excelled in the area of community capacity building. Annie quickly established a plethora of programs that engaged the community via learning opportunities, formation of groups and delivery of local events.
Annie was awarded a Centennial Medal for her work with Youth and the Elderly on Yorke Peninsula and is excited to have the opportunity to work with colleagues and networks in the Riverland to make a difference.
email: apayne@rdariverland.org.au
Candace Torres
Tourism Development Manager (Murraylands)
BBus (Mktg)
With a wealth of experience in business development, marketing and event management leadership roles, Candace brings a diverse and desirable range of skills and knowledge to the team. Candace has had the practical benefit of working in various business environments, from her own Information and Communications Technology (ICT) business to an events management company and, most recently, in a large educational institution. This diverse experience has provided her with a well-rounded understanding and application of marketing-based practices, strong business acumen and work ethic.
Candace is accustomed to handling multiple projects and people, while undertaking analysis and research, keeping up to date with best practice and emerging trends, planning ahead and looking for economic efficiencies and better ways of achieving outcomes. Candace has a passion for her field of work and prides herself on being professional, approachable and results-driven.
In this newly created role, Candace will work closely with the local Murraylands community, Murraylands Tourism Partnership, Regional Development Australia and the South Australian Tourism Commission.
Annette Thiel
Career Development Centre (Riverland)
Annette is a qualified Career Practitioner and has undertaken Certificate IV in both Career Development and Project Management.
Annette’s role at the Career Development Centre (CDC) – Riverland is that of Project Support. The CDC is a SA Works project that commenced operation out of the Berri office in September 2010. Annette is responsible for administration within the centre, including file and data management and the smooth functioning of the centre. With an understanding of local industry, local employment services and local training providers, Annette successfully links clients with the appropriate services suitable to their requirements.
Annette has been employed at RDA since 2004, being here during the amalgamation of the Murraylands Regional Development Board and the Riverland Development Corporation (RDC) and had been with the RDC.
Mark Bell
Business Development Manager (Riverland)
Mark commenced with RDA in December 2011 and his primary role is working with and assisting small to medium businesses, identifying and implementing opportunities for future sustainability, growth and development.
Mark’s skills & experience cover all aspects of business development. They include many years as a local business owner and as the Retail Operations Manager for 13 Mobil branded retail sites. He has held this position previously on contract for 15 months - April 2005/June 2006 as well as being self employed as a business coach over the last 11 years.
Mark has a passion for business development and analysis. In 2006 Mark achieved accreditation as an APEC Certified Business Counsellor and in February 2011 his appointment was recommended to the Panel of Coaches for the DTED Business Owners Coaching Program (BOCP).
email: mbell(at)rdariverland.org.au
Darryl Webb
Business Development Manager (Murraylands)
Darryl joined RDA in October 2005 and his primary role is working with and assisting small to medium businesses, identifying and implementing opportunities for future sustainability, growth and development.
Darryl gained extensive management experience during 16 years as General Manager of Clipsal, Murray Bridge. Prior to moving to Murray Bridge in 1987 he held various management positions within Gerard Industries in Adelaide. Darryl and his family enjoy the Murraylands' lifestyle and continue to have a strong commitment to the region through community and sporting involvement.
Sharon Weyland
Finance, Governance & Contracts Manager
Sharon commenced with RDA in June 2010. Born and raised on a dairy farm just outside of Murray Bridge she has an awareness and understanding of the needs of people and the communities of the Murraylands region.
Sharon brings more than 20 years experience in finance and business management. Having worked in retail, manufacturing and sporting business, and a past partner of a successful Murray Bridge business she has a broad range of experience in managing financial matters. She has a strong community spirit remaining involved with sporting clubs within the area and is committed to working with RDA towards stronger economic development within the region.
Melissa Mapley
Administration/Corporate Support
I commenced with RDA in August 2011. My role is to assist the Economic Development Manager (EDM), Business Development Manager (BDM) and the Indigenous Economic Development Manager (IEDM) as well as the day to day administration function for the Riverland office
During my working career, I have had 15 years of experience in business administration, prior to this role being Office Manager at the Riverland Response Centre which was set up as a Drought Support Office to assist people on the land. This office comprised of a range of Counselling Services including Financial, Rural and Community and I was subjected to a range of individuals, families and their sometimes complex requirements and situations.
I am married with three children and when not working, enjoy spending time with them.
email: mmapley@rdariverland.org.au
Sonia Hein
Business Support (Murraylands)
Sonia commenced with RDA in February 2012. She is completing a 12 month traineeship at the Murraylands office, which involves studying at Tafe 1 day a week, while the other 4 days are spent in the office. Her main roles are answering the telephone, website development and providing business support to all staff. She is also the first point of call for visitors to the Murray Bridge office.
Sonia has lived in Murray Bridge all her life, her knowledge and love for her home town will be a great addition to the team, along with her professional attitude and bright personality.
email: information(at)rdamurraylands.org.au
Caitlin Gale
Business Support (Riverland)
Caitlin commenced with RDA in June 2010. The trainee position is a 12 month contract, three days a week in the office, whilst the other two days will be studying at TAFE. Caitlin’s main roles at the reception area are answering telephones and providing support to the other staff.
Caitlin is a welcome addition to the team in the Berri office.
email: cgale(at)rdariverland.org.au
Della James
Business Support (Riverland)
Della commenced her 12 month traineeship at RDA in March 2012. With four days of the week spent in the Riverland office, she attends TAFE the remaining day to study Cert III in business. Della’s main roles in the office are answering the telephone, word processing and providing general business support to all staff. She is also the first point of call for visitors to the Riverland office.
Della has lived in the Riverland for four years now in which she previously resided from Padthaway in the South East. Along with her professional attitude, Della is a welcome addition to the RDA team.
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